In 2008, Ken met Martha Wolf, Director at Parker Jewish Institute’s Alzheimer Center, and placed his father in their adult day care center. During this time that Ken’s father participated in adult day services, Ken realized what a valuable service adult day centers were for caregivers in the community who were trying to juggle their lives and also take care of loved ones at home. He also realized that not all families would be able to afford the service. So, in the midst of caring for his own father, Ken organized the first backyard barbecue event at his home to fundraise for other families. He began gifting the proceeds of the fundraising event directly to families to assist in paying for social day care. In the first 2 years of the backyard events four family caregivers were awarded over $4,000 each.
He and his family recognized that by pulling their own community together, using a fun event that represents friends and family, they could raise funds to assist others while also engaging people in the conversation and sharing information about Alzheimer’s.
The organization continues this tradition of hosting friend-raising events to engage the conversation and raise funds. Alzheimer’s is a disease that affects families, friends, and communities. We always need sponsors, supporters and volunteers to assist in making these events a reality. Please let us know if you can be a contributor and host or sponsor an event.